The full form of SIC in medical term is “Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy.”
Sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) is a serious complication that can occur in sepsis patients. Sepsis is life-threatening when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection and causes inflammation. SIC occurs when this inflammation affects the body’s blood clotting system, causing abnormal clotting or bleeding.
One of the key features of SIC is a decrease in the levels of certain blood clotting factors, such as antithrombin, protein C, and protein S. These factors normally help to regulate the blood clotting process and prevent excessive clotting. However, their levels can deplete in SIC due to their consumption in the abnormal clotting process.
SIC can manifest in different ways, depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. The diagnosis of SIC is usually based on laboratory tests that measure blood clotting factors and markers of inflammation. Treatment involves addressing the underlying infection causing sepsis and providing supportive care to manage the complications of SIC. It may include anticoagulant medications, blood transfusions, and other therapies to manage bleeding or prevent clotting.
The exact mechanisms behind SIC are not fully understood. Still, it is thought that the inflammatory response triggered by sepsis leads to the release of cytokines and other pro-inflammatory molecules that can activate the blood clotting system. It can lead to the formation of micro clots within blood vessels, which can cause organ damage and increase the risk of bleeding.